Stevenage FC v Bradford City AFC

BORO

v BRADFORD CITY AFC

Saturday, February 11 2023

Kick-Off: 3.00pm

ONLINE DISCOUNT FOR ADVANCE MATCH TICKETS CLICK HERE

THE MANAGER STEVE EVANS

“We have an opportunity on Saturday to get three points - that’s our sole focus”

All photos by Jim Steele unless otherwise stated

PHIL WALLACE

Good afternoon and welcome to the players and officials of Bradford City.

Our opponents today were highly fancied at the start of the season, with an experienced manager and a number of experienced players whilst we were some bookies’ favourites for relegation - yet we sit second in the table. The turnaround in our fortunes has been achieved by great recruitment, great management and a talented group of lads that give everything for each other, every single game. The result is that we’re in a great position in the league with nineteen cup finals to play.

Steve Evans has been here many times before and we both know this is a time for total focus and determination. Not only within the playing group, but also within the administrative side of the Club where we seek to achieve a gold standard in everything we do. By everyone pulling together, we can achieve the goals we set out at the start of the season. Cup runs –tick, done that and it was great fun. Now to move relentlessly to the bigger prize of promotion.

The first of February saw the arrival of our new CEO Mike Pink, who takes over from Chris Ross. Mike has huge experience working in football and, although this is his first CEO role, I’m certain he will prove to be a valuable asset to us.

Off the pitch, our shirt sponsorship with Prime Gaming comes to an end in June and we are looking forward to shortly announcing a new shirt sponsor for two years. With Mike’s background in commercial management, I feel we can drive our sponsorship income to new heights and that will help us as we slowly increase our playing budget.

The support of the fans this season has been truly great, which makes it all worthwhile. We operated to a (reduced) full capacity for the Leyton Orient game, and I suspect there will be another great crowd for this game.

The atmosphere should be electric with a fabulous game in store.

Let’s hear you get behind the lads today! Enjoy the match.

THE GAME

MATCHDAY TIMINGS

CLUB SHOP: Midday – Kick-Off

TICKET OFFICE: Midday – 3.15pm (Pay on the day)

THE BROADHALL SUITE: Midday – KickOff (Home & Away supporters)

The 76 Lounge: Midday – Kick-Off (Home & Away supporters)

Half-Time (North Stand Ticket Holders)

Full-Time – 8pm (Home & Away supporters)

TURNSTILES: 1.15pm

TICKET INFO

BORO HOST BRADFORD CITY AT THE LAMEX STADIUM

Tickets for Bradford City range from £18 for Adults, £10 Under 18s and £5 Under 12s at www.borotickets.co.uk , from the Club Shop and the Ticket Office ahead of kick-off.

All tickets purchased Online/In-Advance of matchday are cheaper, and supporters can now scan their way in using the ticket QR code on their phone.

TICKETS & TRAVEL:

NEWPORT COUNTY

Kicking off at 7.45pm in Sky Bet League

Two, Steve Evans’ men make the 315-mile

round trip to Rodney Parade to take on Graham Coughlan’s Exiles.

Match tickets are available from the Stevenage FC Club Shop (open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays 10am-5pm) and from Rodney Parade on the day of the game.

• Adult: £20/£22

• 60+: £18

• 16-21/Student: £14/£16

• U16: £10

• U12: £8

• U6: Free

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at 3pm on the day of the game. To book a seat, visit www.sfcsa. co.uk/home/travel and book online.

STOCKPORT COUNTY

Kicking off at 3pm in Sky Bet League

Two, Steve Evans’ men make the 355-mile round trip to Edgeley Park to take on Dave Challinor’s Hatters.

Match tickets are available online only at www.stockportcounty.com .

• Adult: £20

• Concession: £14

• U18: £7

• U5: Free

The Stevenage FC Supporters Association coach will be departing The Lamex Stadium at 9am on the day of the game. To book a seat, visit www.sfcsa.co.uk/ home/travel and book online.

We've got super Stevie Evans ��

stevenagefcofficial

The Boro v The Bantams.

v Mark Hughes. Stevenage v Bradford City. Saturday is set to be a spectacle. ��

stevenagefcofficial

Welcome to #StevenageFC,

✍️

stevenagefcofficial

Welcome to #StevenageFC, Josh March! ✍️

@StevenageFC 6,989 (inc. 1,382 @leytonorientfc) is our highest-ever @EFL attendance, and third-highest overall. ✍

Jökull Andrésson!

Steve Evans

@StevenageFC YOUUU BORO!! ✍

@StevenageFC

6’ Reid, 11’ Roberts, 90+1’ Norris ■ 45’ El Mizouni

STEVENAGE LEYTON ORIENT 3 0 V

Jamie Reid, Jordan Roberts and Luke Norris grab the goals in a thrilling victory over the league leaders in front of a capacity crowd...

MATCHDAY MASCOTS

It’s always a pleasure to see Boro being supported by their mascots and we have two today who are sure to get us to three more points at the fortress!

First up we welcome Arthur Hayes to the Lamex this afternoon.

Arthur is 10 years of age and lives in Walkern where he attends the local school. His favourite hobbies are football, gaming and basically anything sporty and his favourite player is the skipper, Carl Piergianni.

Arthur is joined by Jessica Buckley

Jessica is 11 years of age, lives in Stevenage and attends Thomas Alleyne School in the town.

She has played football since she was just five and now plays for Starlets and that’s her favourite hobby.

Her top Boro player is one of our own, Luke Norris.

We wish both them and their families a memorable day with us and let’s hope the smiles stay with us all at 5pm and beyond! CLICK

INTERACTIVE BORO QUIZ!

Welcome to our latest interactive quiz of the season. Mark Hughes brings his Bradford team to Boro, but what do you know about the former United star?

Arthur Hayes

Jessica Buckley

Hewett Air Conditioning Ltd are based in Stevenage and cover the home counties and London areas. We are a family run business with over 3 decades of experience in the air conditioning sector. We have become a trusted partner for a range of clients from large mutli-nationals to local and domestic customers. Offering a full range of services including design, installation and servicing.

For more information or a no obligation quotation please call 01438 869594 or email paul@hewettair.co.uk

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Thirty games into the League

One season and Stevenage were sitting 14th, preparing to host Leyton Orient who were just one place below them. In front of 3,577 fans, it was Leyton Orient who took the commanding role in the game. Leon McSweeney swung a looping cross in from the right-hand side, a cross that the Stevenage back line failed to deal with as the ball pingponged amongst the defence and landed at the feet of Dean Cox who volleyed into the ground and up into the top corner of the goal.

Boro were then left to chase the next eighty minutes of the game; however

it was just after the opener that they came closest as Felipe Morais’ effort was redirected just over the top of the crossbar.

Leyton Orient threatened to extend their lead however in the second half as Charlie MacDonald nodded the ball just over the bar, Orient struggled to keep their shots down again as David Mooney came close but like MacDonald struck with too much power.

Despite Boro’s best efforts in the game, they couldn’t find a way to level the scoring, leaving the strike in the opening ten minutes to be the decisive moment in the game.

ALFIE NICHOLSON

1 Steve Arnold

2 David Gray

14 Mark Roberts

33 Ben Chorley

4 Darius Charles

11 Lucas Akins (76)

6 Greg Tansey

7 Anthony Grant (58)

8 James Dunne

10 Filipe Morais

30 Sam Hoskins SUBSTITUTES

16 Chris Day

3 Lee Hills

22 Miguel Comminges

Stats courtesy of Boroguide

proud to Be prIncIpal sponsors of steVenaGe fc

Offices in UK, USA, Ireland, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Germany, Canada, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China.

For career opportunities email info@lamexfoods.eu

Proud sponsors of youth football in Stevenage

Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping contractor

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FAN FOCUS

FIRST GAME?

I had to think really hard in what season I had started supporting Stevenage. With the help of my friends the season was 2010-2011 the first home game was against Macclesfield and this game was a 2-2 draw.

WHAT PART OF THE GROUND DO YOU WATCH GAMES?

When I started going to Stevenage as a fan I was in the East Terrace where sometimes I was within the barmy army crowd or with my friends. This Season I got to watch some games in the North Stand.

FAVOURITE GAMES?

I remember going to Kidderminster Harriers 2010 where we won and got promoted from the conference to League two, the funny thing was and I don’t mind saying this at full time on that day all fans ran on to the pitch to celebrate by jumping the barrier because of my height i had to find the nearest gate LOL. The other games I enjoyed was the win at Luton where Scott Laird Scored and this year’s recent win against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

FAVOURITE ALL TIME PLAYER?

I don’t have just one player since supporting the BORO I have chosen 3.

Mark Roberts

John Mousinho

Danny Newton

FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER?

Elliot List

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT BORO THAT YOU REALLY LOVE?

Stevenage FC is a Family Club and a club for the People, it has a fantastic Community and since being a fan and now a steward I have made a lots of friends.

FAVOURITE SHIRT? 2022-2023 Home Shirt

Laura is running the London Marathon on the 23rd April this year. “The Charity I am running for is the Meningitis Foundation Charity which is close to my heart, the reason why this is close to my heart is that a family friend lost their daughter to this cruel disease last year, she was only 4 years old. I will be holding a collection bucket around the ground at the home game where we host Tranmere Rovers. I do also have a just giving page which is www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ laura-tyler21 ”

ON THIS DAY: 11 FEBRUARY

There’s not all that much to look back on when it comes to this particular date in history. And, well, wasn’t it all going swimmingly for the Boro’ when 11 February rolled around? Up to and including 2017’s effort, Boro’ had four wins out of four and hadn’t conceded a single goal. It was quite simply one of those perfect dates to be a Boro’ fan. The 2019-20 season has a lot to answer for when it comes to tales of misery and woe. The destruction of our perfect record on this date in the diary is one of them. And wouldn’t you know it – it was today’s opposition who were those run-breaking boys; overturning a rare Boro’ half-time lead to cruise to three points at Valley Parade.

The first time we played on 11 February was back in 1984; comfortably coasting to victory against neighbours Arlesey Town in what was a third straight league win at the time. Our 3-0 home triumph against Wycombe Wanderers in 2017 also brought with it a third consecutive league success. On the other hand, our 3-0 victory over Saffron Walden Town today in 1989 ended a run of six league outings without being on the right side of the result. And our 1-0 home win over Morecambe in 2006 was a big three points in the race for the Nationwide Conference playoffs. Unlike the previous season, however, it’d be the Shrimps who would prevail.

1984 Arlesey Town 0-3 Stevenage Borough, United Counties

League Premier Division

(Marshall, Butcher 2)

1989 Stevenage Borough 2-0 Saffron Walden Town , Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North (Churchill, Hudgell)

2006 Stevenage Borough 1-0

Morecambe, Nationwide Conference (Nurse)

2017 Stevenage 3-0 Wycombe

Wanderers , Sky Bet League Two (Schumacher, Godden, Pett)

2020 Bradford City 3-1 Stevenage, Sky Bet League Two (Carter)

IT’S BRADFORD CITY AGAIN…

Our record against the Bantams is in dire need of improvement – and it doesn’t bode well straight off the bat to learn that we lost against them on this day three years ago. In mitigation, that was a completely different Boro’ proposition and happened at their place. But we don’t have too much ammo to put things in a positive context.

Ultimately, we’ve only won twice in 11 meetings with the West Yorkshire outfit. In comparison, they can look back on seven victories. They’ve outscored us two-to-one over the years. And they’re currently enjoying a streak of three wins in a row at our expense; our 1-1 draw in April 2021 the last time we took anything from our encounters.

MAGIC MOMENT: 02 April 2011 – npower League Two

STEVENAGE FC 2

BRADFORD 1

Our only home victory (to date) against the Bantams came all the way back in 2011. At the time, it would be our sixth consecutive league win as our momentum carried us towards the playoffs. For our opposition, however, it did little to ease their relegation fears. After this result, Bradford City sat a mere six points above the bottom two in League Two. In terms of how this game panned out, John Mousinho fired us ahead not too long before the half time interval; Stacy Long earning a penalty after being tripped by Steve Williams. Our respective league positions didn’t show themselves as the second half wore on. David Syers got in at the near post on 72 minutes to bring things back onto an even keel. With Boro’ on such good form, however, Darius Charles rifled home with 12 minutes left to secure all three points.

By Pete Hayman courtesy of boroguide.co.uk

ON BOTH SIDES…

The list of names to have both Boro’ and Bradford on their footballing CVs isn’t the longest one. But that’s not to say there aren’t some notable ones on there. Jake Reeves is the one man in our current ranks who gets the title of ‘most recent example’. But it’s not all that long since Kurtis Guthrie’s career moved in the opposite direction.

Filipe Morais, John Dreyer, Steven Schumacher, and Francois Zoko are all on the list too. So too is David Beasant. But we’re not going to count him because he didn’t end up playing for us. Even if he famously was named as a sub.

Kurtis Guthrie

PLAYER SPONSORS FIRST TEAM 2022/23

3 Max Clark SPONSORED BY

4 Jake Reeves SPONSORED BY

9 Luke Norris SPONSORED BY

8 Jake Taylor SPONSORED BY

6 Dan Sweeney SPONSORED BY

14 Kane Smith SPONSORED BY

2 Luther James-Wildin SPONSORED BY KEN FOLLETT

5 Carl Piergianni SPONSORED BY

DAVID GRAY

7 Elliott List SPONSORED BY

10 Dean Campbell SPONSORED BY JOHN MACKENZIE

11 Jordan Roberts SPONSORED BY DAMIAN ANDERSON

12 Taye Ashby-Hammond SPONSORED BY BARBARA FOLLETT

15 Terence Vancooten SPONSORED BY

BOB UKIAH

SPONSOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER... For sponsorship enquiries email clivea@stevenagefc.com

Keith Bell SPONSORED BY

Alex Revell SPONSORED BY Ian Pledger SPONSORED BY Matt Rogers SPONSORED BY

19 Jamie Reid SPONSORED BY

18 Michael Bostwick SPONSORED BY MICK GORHAM

32 Danny Rose SPONSORED BY FINLEY KETTEL

Paul Raynor SPONSORED BY

Steve Evans SPONSORED BY

17 Alex Gilbey SPONSORED BY WESLEY LIM

16 Daryl Horgan SPONSORED BY WESLEY LIM

23 Darren Forster-Caskey SPONSORED BY LAST GOALSCORERS SOCIETY

Good afternoon and welcome to the Lamex for today’s fixture with Bradford.

It’s been a busy period for us at the academy, and the Foundation Phase has been no different since the turn of the year we have seen lots of new ideas implemented with the introduction of Futsal to our programme which has been greatly received by Players, Parents & coaches. We have already started to see the benefits that futsal bring within our games programme fixtures on Sundays. Alongside Futsal we have had a change of our training timeable which has allowed Paul Dale (Youth Development Phase Lead) to cast his eye over our Under 12 group which will transfering and passing across the phases at the end of the season, we have moved them to the fantastic facility of the Herts county ground, in which they get to use bigger areas and again develop different parts to their game.

As always, we try to create a varied diet for our young players whether that be challenges in training or fixtures, to different opposition & formats. We have again started to ramp up the fixtures on our young players with fixtures against Norwich, Spurs, Arsenal & Leicester coming up. We have also entered lots of tournaments to give the players a sense of competitive play to win football which again adds different pressure and challenges on to their overall development and we believe all the fixtures give us a chance to test ourselves against the best

in the country as well as give invaluable experiences to our coaches and players. Lastly We are inviting local grassroots football clubs to take part in our fourth annual Lamex Cup tournament… Taking place at the home of Stevenage Football Club - The Lamex Stadium –between Friday 5th and Sunday 7th

May 2023, The Lamex Cup is the most prestigious six-a-side grassroots football tournament in Hertfordshire this summer. With competitions from Under 7s to Under 13s, The Lamex Cup is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your team and take part in a memorable day at the home of Stevenage FC.

Tournament Schedule:

Friday 5th May

Under 13s: 6pm – 9pm

Saturday 6th May

Under 8s: 9am-12pm - Under 10s: 12pm –

3pm - Under 12s: 3pm – 6pm

Sunday 7th May

Under 7s: 9am – 12pm - Under 9s: 12pm –3pm - Under 11s: 3pm – 6pm

I hope you enjoy the game, make some noise, get The Lamex rocking and COME ON BORO!

TOM FARR Foundation Phase Lead

STEVENAGE FCW 2

Oldroyd, Farmer, Webster (c), Neal, Re, Price, Bodily, Greenwood, Schofield, Millen, Bellinger

Subs: Shephard, Makewell, Swarres, Gooderham, White

Goals: Blacksley (og), Neal

LUTON TOWN LFC 1

Stevenage FCW returned to the top of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division with a superb last minute winner against Luton Town. Their opponents have occupied the top spot for most of the season so far and have just one defeat to their name – to FA WNL team – Ipswich Town. That though, was a cup game. Here at the Herts FA County Ground, Stevenage inflicted the first league loss of the campaign so far.

The first half saw both sides testing the

waters without causing either defence too many issues. It took almost a quarter of an hour to offer a noteworthy chance, as Kelsey Millen sent in a wicked cross from the right that Emily Schofield couldn’t quite convert from close range. As the half hour mark approached an opportunity arose for Stevenage to deliver the first decisive blow. Lucy Webster took over attacking duties and broke through the middle of the park, before being unceremoniously dumped to the floor as she entered the area. Chris Geelan pointed to the spot and entered Hannah Major into the book with a yellow card. In the absence of Amy Makewell, Jodie Bellinger, making her 40th career appearance for Stevenage, stepped up in the ultimate showdown. Her effort however was matched by Angelica Kopec in goal and the game remained at a stalemate.

Borough had one final major opportunity to take the lead before the break after Schofield was brought down at the edge of the area. Shianne Swarres hovered over the ball before delivering a sublime

free kick over the wall, but on a collision course with the crossbar. Luton cleared their lines and the scoreline remained level.

Immediately upon the restart, Boro started with a spring in their step. Nicole Farmer mimicked Swarres’ earlier effort as she hammered the ball into the bar from a free kick. Down the other end, Stevenage rode their luck as Elizabeth Sanders wandered around Tea Oldroyd only to find her effort blocked on the line by Neal and cleared.

The reprieve lasted barely two minutes as Leyah Maddix scored her ninth goal of the season as she latched on to a ball from ex Boro-player Andie Dickens and saw her header roll into the empty net.

Stevenage could have been deflated and defeated, but they continued to dig in. Amy Gooderham made her return to action and gave the defence something to worry about. Her best early opportunity came from a great ball from Erin Price, but her initial touch was just too heavy and Kopec had no troubles winning the race.

Two minutes ater and Boro’ were level. A free kick from Webster was pushed onto the post by Kopec. The ball rebounded off the woodwork and rolled into the path of Kopec and ex Boro’ defender Tanya Blacksley who was unfortunate to deflect the ball into her own net . Blacksley had made 69 appearances for Stevenage in her career without ever scoring, but the Borough fans were overjoyed. The game continued as it started, a battle with two teams slugging it out to see who would be top of the mountain.

Becky Shephard was starting to find some spaces and had set Gooderham up with another opportunity that Kopec was equal to.

As the minutes ticked into the additional three minutes that were added on, Boro’ earned a corner. Shephard took the set piece and placed it into the perfect spot for Neal to attack the far post and be first to the ball with a vicious header that sent the home fans and staff into ecstasy. “I’ll remember that one, I was glad I could contribute with one off the line and that goal!” Neal said afterwards. “I feel like we really fought for the game today.”

FIXTURES

LEAGUE TABLE

FOUNDATION

Ken grew up in Stevenage, attending Heathcote School, and was a key component of the growth of local grassroots club Bedwell Rangers, who he joined in 1983 and held a variety of positions within the Club. Ken held numerous professional roles in football, originally with the Stevenage FC EFCO programme based at North Herts College, Boreham Wood FC and Watford FC Community Trusts, and most prominently Hertfordshire FA, as part of their Football Development team, supporting hundreds of clubs across Hertfordshire.

He joined the Foundation in October 2017, playing a huge role in the growth of projects such as Walking Football, and our work within the community supporting young people to choose positive pathways.

REMEMBERING KEN

On Friday 10th February, all at Stevenage FC took time to remember the passing of Foundation Community Coach and Stevenage football stalwart, Ken Headington.

Today we welcome Ken’s family back to The Lamex and will pay our respects to him at half time, for all he did for the game not just in Stevenage, but across Hertfordshire too.

Thank you, Ken.

BORO SHOW SUPPORT FOR GREEN WEEKEND

Thanks to funding from local Stevenage Borough Councillors, the Foundation have been working with the Club to implement small steps at the beginning of a sustainability journey to create a “greener game” and encourage all associated with Stevenage FC to play their part in protecting the environment. Foundation Project Officer, Kevin Beckles has been working with Will Ironside, who has been completing a traineeship with the Foundation focusing on environmental sustainability. Some initial steps have

included implementing a proper internal recycling scheme, that has been extended into pitch side green bins being installed to encourage supporters to recycle their waste whilst attending matchdays at The Lamex.

Reusable cups were on sale ahead of the sold-out game against Leyton Orient, and future stock of the cups will be available soon. These cups can be used in all the bars at The Lamex.

You’ll notice branded posters around the ground this weekend, giving more information on how we can all play our part to protect and preserve our environment.

Health & Wellbeing –Older Adult Sessions

WALKING FOOTBALL

Men and women of all ages and levels of fitness or ability are invited to come along to one of our Walking Football sessions to take part in a slower paced version of the beautiful game.

With a number of sessions currently being delivered each week, the great thing about Walking Football is that no experience is required, and all abilities are welcome. The rules are exactly the same as normal football, however, you are not allowed to run or jog – strictly walking! First session FREE then £5 booking fee thereafter.

MONDAY MORNING – 10am – 11am –Location: Herts FA The County Ground – CLICK HERE TO BOOK

MONDAY EVENING – 8pm – 9pm –Location: Stevenage FC Academy, Shephalbury, Stevenage - CLICK HERE TO BOOK

WEDNESDAY MORNING – 10am – 11am

– Location: Stevenage FC Academy, Shephalbury, Stevenage - CLICK HERE TO BOOK

THURSDAY EVENING – Women’s ONLY

Walking Football – 8-9pm – Stevenage FC Academy, Shephalbury, StevenageCLICK HERE TO BOOK

For more information, please contact community@stevenagefcf.com

EXTRA TIME HUB

Stevenage FC Foundation in partnership with the EFL Trust have launched an ‘Extra Time Hub’ for people who are retired or semi-retired, to come together and enjoy activities with like-minded people in the community. Based at The Oval Community Centre in Stevenage, the session aims to build a community of people to help them enjoy their retirement years and maximise the positive changes in getting older. Maintaining friendships and being socially active are important parts of healthy, happy ageing and the Extra Time Hub provides the opportunity to socialise, form new friendships and take part in enjoyable activities that are based upon what individuals want to do. Activities vary from quizzes, music, games such as Boccia, table tennis, Cards, Darts, New Age Kurling, Pilates, Strength and Balance etc… or just a place to have a chat and a warm drink. FREE of charge. Current dates are: Thursday 16th February – 10am – 12pm Thursday 2nd, 16th & 30th March – 10am – 12pm

For more information, please contact: community@stevenagefcf.com

INTRODUCTION TO EXERCISE:

Introduction to exercise is more suited for those who are currently still physically active and want to stay that way with exercise classes, which focus on sessions that are Circuit based but also mixed with, Boxercise, Pilates, Circuits, Badminton, Soccercise sessions and much more! We like to keep the fun aspect of these sessions as well as putting the work into our exercises so that everyone is enjoying the classes! But individuals are still able to participate at their own pace and their ability levels can be adapted accordingly to suit individuals. All medical conditions are taken into account. These sessions take place at Bedwell Community Centre in Stevenage on Wednesdays 10:45am – 11:45am and are £5 per person.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

For more information, please contact community@stevenagefcf.com

www.bradfordcityafc.com

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE SQUAD LIST FORM GUIDE

Bradford have been there or thereabouts for much of the campaign but alas it’s the play-off battle that has been their main aim.

It wasn’t always that way, a run of five

wins and two draws in September and October had the Bantams in among the leading pack, but they have been plagued by inconsistency since then. Spells of draws have seen them lose ground in the race at the top, none better illustrated than their current run which has seen them draw the last three games, with just one goal scored. This means that while Boro may be second in the form table with three wins and two draws from 5, Bradford sit 11th with just 6 points from a possible 15.

The cups haven’t been kind to Bradford this season, they lost in the first round of the EFL 2-1 at home to Blackburn and in the FA Cup fell 1-0 at home in the first round to fellow Yorkshire side Harrogate.

They did reach the EFL Trophy playoffs but were dumped out with a 1-0 reverse at Salford.

LAST 5 SEASONS

MEET THE BOSS:

Mark Hughes is an experienced manager who has taken charge of over 600 games throughout his career - including more than 450 in the Premier League. He has also finished in the top 10 in the top-flight of English football on eight separate occasions. Hughes has previously had managerial spells with the Welsh national team, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, and Southampton. In his playing days, the Welshman had multiple spells at Manchester United, as well as spending time at Barcelona, Bayern Munich (loan), Chelsea, Southampton, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers. He scored 224 goals throughout his playing career.

ONE TO WATCH:

After spending the second half of the 2020/2021 season on loan with the Bantams, Andy Cook signed permanently from Mansfield Town on a two-year deal in June 2021. The 31-year-old finished as City’s top goal-scorer last season, scoring 12 goals in 39 appearances. Cook is an experienced striker with over 400 career appearances to his name so far. In addition he has played for a host of clubs including Barrow, Grimsby, Tranmere and Walsall

COMMERCIAL

MATCH SPONSOR

MATCH BALL SPONSOR

The match is sponsored by HG Construction Limited. They are a local construction company working particularly in the designand-build market for many high profile successful clients.

From their base in Hitchin, they carry out newbuild and refurbishment works in all sectors, across London and the Home Counties. They are proud of their reputation for delivering high quality buildings to time and budget. For more news and information on HG Construction and to see examples of their recent work, please visit their website at www.hgconstruct.co.uk

This afternoon’s Mitre Match Ball is sponsored by N and C Tyres Ltd, our local mobile tyre fitting and repair service. Their fleet of modern vehicles cover the whole of Hertfordshire and the Home Counties rescuing motorists with tyre problems. Put their number in your phone now, you never know when you’ll need their help, call them on 07860 579512 for an instant quote.

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR HOSPITALITY PACKAGES FOR THE 2022/23 SEASON... CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION LATEST NEWS

WELCOME

It’s always a pleasure to welcome the Bantams fans and supporters to The Lamex. Renowned for their dry Yorkshire humour and wit, I’m looking forward to meeting old acquaintances again.

If Tony Bates (Chair – Bradford City Supporters Board) is at the game this afternoon, look me up Tony. I’d love a chat.

INTER-CITY BORO

Two away games in quick succession coming up, and they’re both ‘County’s’:

NEWPORT COUNTY – Tuesday Feb 14th – Costs just £25 per member and the coaches leave the ground at 3:00pm. Treat your loved one to a St Valentines night out at Rodney Parade – they’ll love you for it!

STOCKPORT COUNTY – Saturday Feb 18th – Cost for this trip is £30 per member and the Boro Bus departs at 9:00am. There’s no place quite like Edgeley Park in mid-February. Take stock in Stockport, and indulge the experience. Details for all Supporters’ Association travel can be found on the SA website here What a pity Notts County aren’t yet in our league yet!

FSA - WHITE PAPER

At the time of writing, the Government has yet to publish its long- awaited White Paper on football governance. It is scheduled for Wednesday Feb 8th.

The White Paper is set to adopt many of the key recommendations of former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review which she completed in November 2021. We anticipate a new regulator for football to come in, a ban on clubs joining breakaway leagues, tougher club ownership rules and a greater say for fans in the running of their clubs.

STOKE

Who went to Stoke? Who had a great time in the Potteries? The support for Stevenage was absolutely fantastic on the day. The

sun shone, songs were sung and, but for the result, it would have been perfect. What might have been.

Snapshot of the day sees a colleague of mine – Cllr Simon Speller (flat-hat) with Sarah and yours truly.

URGENT REQUEST

Most of you will know that I’m always looking for paraphernalia regarding our predecessor clubs – Stevenage Town and Stevenage Athletic. However, I was contacted recently by a member who is most anxious to acquire an early Boro shirt for his collection. It’s from the 199394 season and looks like this: If anyone has one (to dispose of), then I would be delighted to hear from them. This particular member’s collection of Stevenage shirts is significant to the club, because it is the most complete example that I am aware of. We need these for posterity. And if you have any ‘Town’ of ‘Athletic’ stuff, then I’m definitely interested – even if I can only photograph it.

LLOYD BRISCOE Chair - Stevenage FC Supporters’ Association

HERE’S A I BET YOU DIDN’T KN

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2022/23

LEAGUE TABLE

*Effective against enveloped viruses **vs representative Gram-negative bacterium. Always practise good hand hygiene. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 99.9% OF BACTERIA

*Effective against enveloped viruses **vs representative Gram-negative bacterium. Always practise good hand hygiene. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. 99.9% OF BACTERIA

‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’

A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour

To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters.

#LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame

ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN.

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BRADFORD CITY AFC